E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2)

E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2) is a member of the E2F family of transcription factors, which bind DNA and are crucial regulators of cell cycle progression, DNA replication, and cell proliferation[1][2][4][6]. E2F2 contains evolutionarily conserved domains for DNA-binding, dimerization (interaction with DP proteins such as DP1/DP2), transactivation, and association with tumor suppressor proteins like pRB (retinoblastoma protein)[1][2]. E2F2 can function as both a transcriptional activator and repressor depending on its binding partners and cellular context[2][5]. It plays essential roles in the G1-to-S phase transition and gene expression regulation related to proliferation and DNA synthesis[2][5][8]. It is expressed in many tissues, especially in rapidly proliferating or embryonic tissues, and is frequently overexpressed or dysregulated in cancers and inflammatory diseases[2][4]. E2F2 is being studied as a potential therapeutic target, but as of August 2025, there are no drugs directly approved to target this molecule in the clinic[2].

Other names

E2F2Transcription factor E2F2DRTF1/E2F complex

Inhibition of E2F2 function (e.g., via antisense oligonucleotides or gene editing) blocks its regulatory activity on cell cycle and DNA replication genes[2]. Indirect inhibition via blocking upstream regulators such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) or retinoblastoma protein (Rb), which modulate E2F2 activity[2].